Well-known grants writer takes over as director

On July 1, the Golden Hour Senior Center started to see a new face when Sheela Schermetzler took over as the executive director.

Schermetzler has worked as various jobs throughout her life, including a junior high science teacher, grants writer, baker and caterer.

"This job is a combination of all my life's work," Schermetzler said.

"This is going to be my last job. I feel this is kind of the grand finale; and I just feel it's an honor to work here and an honor to work with the seniors and staff."

The Wisconsin native has a bachelor's degree in biology and physiology from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a master's degree in biology education from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. She also worked on a thesis paper for her doctorate, which focused on the education of senior citizens.

In 1982, Schermetzler and her husband, James Schermetzler, moved to Gillette, then Casper for a short time, back to Gillette, where they stayed for 21 years prior to moving to Laramie.

Schermetzler was the Albany County grants manager and in the capacity she brought an estimated $55-60 million to that county, which financed dozens of projects.

She also was the director of the Gillette College Foundation; and she is proud to say that when they were building a new college she was able to raise $1.8 million in 18 months.

"I was spearheading a funding campaign," she said.

Prior to that, Schermetzler worked as the grants coordinator for the Campbell County Commissioners Office for seven years.

With all this grant writing and fundraising background, Schermetzler was drawn to apply for the GHSC executive director's position because it said grants writing experience was a requirement. She heard about the position through the Wyoming Job Service website; and was excited when she got an interview.

During that interview, Schermetzler quickly realized that not just her grant writing, but her other lines of work would be used. Schermetzler was the director of continuing education at Gillette College. She said as part of that job, she worked with seniors and planed activities and meals for them. She just knew this job was right for her.

"I initially applied for grants, but I felt it could put all of my life's skills to use here," Schermetzler said.

Since her husband Jim already had a job in Sweetwater County as a deputy attorney for the Sweetwater County Attorney's Office, it was just fitting that she find a job in Sweetwater County too. She said the other option was to drive back and forth to Laramie and the thought of that just didn't sit right with her.

"I'm one of these wives that kind of follow my husband around. We've always tried to make it work, for both of our careers," she said. "I feel so fortunate to have found this job."

Setting goals

Knowing that seniors have to continue learning about new things, including Medicare and how to be care givers, Schermetzler has set her goals on meeting some of those needs. She plans on hosting a care-givers conference in September.

Another goal, is keeping the seniors active.

"We want to promote our involvement with the community," she said.

One way the GHSC is promoting itself is through the Green River Farmers Market. They are happy to sell their baked goods to residents and pass out any information residents may request about the center.

Although it is pretty far away, Schermetzler is already excited about the December Craft Fair and sees it as an even bigger opportunity to get seniors and the community involved in a project together. 

Attracting seniors who are 55-65, who may not even feel like they are seniors, to the GHSC has always been a challenge, but this is something Schermetzler is hoping to make improvements on. She knows seniors this age are focused on health-related topics and activities and she will try and meet those needs.

"My goal, for the term I'm going to be here, is to develop programs for all seniors," Schermetzler said. "The community will be seeing ore of a trust in that area."

She said she wants the community to see the GHSC as a resource.